($1,196) Moving from Des Moines to Lafayette

Quick answer: A move from Des Moines to Lafayette costs $647 to $5,787 and takes two-seven days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 951-mile move yourself.

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  • 10% discount
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Des Moines will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Lafayette to Des Moines guide.

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The best Des Moines to Lafayette moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Des Moines to Lafayette is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Des Moines to Lafayette.

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Lafayette?

Des Moines movers charge $142 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,196 - $4,526 $825 - $2,009 $611 - $1,145
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,371 - $5,787 $1,495 - $2,825 $647 - $1,403
4+ bedrooms $4,248 - $8,072 $2,035 - $3,823 $819 - $1,689
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 951 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Lafayette

The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Des Moines to Lafayette can be as low as $1,196 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,079.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $611 to $1,610. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Des Moines to Lafayette?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Lafayette will cost between $1,196 to $4,526. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,371 to $5,787, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Des Moines to Lafayette will cost from $4,248 to $8,072.

How much are moving container companies from Des Moines to Lafayette?

Moving containers from Des Moines to Lafayette will cost you $825 to $2,009 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,495 to $2,825. A larger home will cost $2,035 to $3,823.

How much is a moving truck from Des Moines to Lafayette?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $611 to $1,145. A larger move will cost $647 to $1,403, and a four-bedroom move from Des Moines to Lafayette costs from $819 to $1,689. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Des Moines to Lafayette

Cost of living: Des Moines vs Lafayette

Des Moines Lafayette
Average rent cost $1,150 $4,310
Average home value $192,347 $213,482
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $58,457
Cost of Living (single person) $1,891 $1,811
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,380 $3,774
Unemployment rate 5.9% 5.8%
Sales Tax 7.0% 9.45%
State Income Tax 4.4% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Lafayette are 275% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Lafayette are 11.0% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income is the same in Lafayette and Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Lafayette is 4.2% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Lafayette is 13.8% lower than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Lafayette is 1.69% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in Lafayette are 35.00% higher than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Lafayette are 3.41% lower than in Des Moines.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,873.08 in Lafayette to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.

How is life different in Des Moines compared to Lafayette?

Lafayette Des Moines
Population 121,374 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 5
Walkability score 42 45
Bike friendliness score 47 39
Crime Index 47.29 5.0
Safety Index 52.71 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
  • Lafayette's population is about 83% less than Des Moines.
  • Lafayette's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Des Moines's lower score of 5.
  • Lafayette is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • Lafayette is more bike-friendly than Des Moines with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 39.
  • Lafayette's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 47.29 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 47.29% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Lafayette is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 52.71 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Lafayette is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

Considerations for moving to Lafayette

  • Weather: It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Louisiana moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Louisiana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Lafayette. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for free coverage at 60 cents per pound from movers. For full-value protection, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Des Moines movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Adamantine Spine Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.38 overall rating
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA, 50322
(319) 519-0154
All Mighty Movers LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.38 overall rating
59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA, 50314
(515) 313-1395

Visit our best long distance movers in Des Moines page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Lafayette

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Hub City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Lafayette.

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Youngsville
  • Erath
  • Maurice
  • Broussard
  • Milton
  • Scott
  • Cade

What to do in Lafayette

These are some of the best things to do in your new Louisiana home.

  • Acadian Village
  • Children's Museum of Acadiana
  • Art at the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum
  • Avery Island
  • Lafayette Science Museum
  • Cajun Swamp Tour
  • Downtown Lafayette

Get your sports on!

Lafayette is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (Sun Belt)

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Lafayette?

The best time to move from Des Moines to Lafayette is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Des Moines.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Lafayette?

Because most people are moving from Des Moines to Lafayette in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Des Moines to Lafayette take?

The 951-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Lafayette, LA, takes two-seven days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Lafayette.

Helpful moving resources